Jane O'Dell

Jane Klukkert O’Dell, 81, of DeLancey died Saturday, Sept. 9.

The daughter of Edna (Butler) and Everett M. Klukkert, Jane was born June 15, 1942 in Delhi. On Nov. 19, 1982, Jane married Ivan M. O’Dell in Downsville. Ivan and her parents have pre-deceased Jane.

Jane was a member of the class of 1960 at Delaware Academy. In 1962, she graduated from SUNY Delhi. After Delhi, she attended and graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Throughout her lifetime, she took many graduate courses in both the U.S. and in Europe.

During her professional life, Jane worked with many students in kindergarten through 12^th grade as their librarian and teacher. Her first job was in Fairport from 1965 to 1967. From 1967-1970, she was employed by Delaware Academy. Her favorite position was at Downsville Central School from 1970-1986 where she was the K-12 librarian, and also taught seventh grade social studies. Lastly, from 1989-1997, she was employed by Webutuck Central School in Dutchess County as K-6 librarian.  Jane was a member of the Northeast Public Library Board in Millerton, for four years, two years as secretary. In addition to her love of books and children, Jane enjoyed traveling, gardening and making scrap books.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Vicky and Lois Klukkert, DeLancey; Art Allen, Greene; Randy (Laurie) Allen, Troy; Ted (Ann) Ruske, Robins, Iowa; and Susan Burns, Rochester; great-nieces Sydney Ruske, Robins, Iowa; Kellie (Chris) Engle, Lewiston, Maine; Taylor Burns and Adam Castle of Norwood, Massachusetts; great-nephew Adam (Teresa) Castle, Troy, and special friend John Vancura.

She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law Doris (Ralph) Allen, Greene; Anne (Roy) Ruske, Rochester; and a very special brother and his wife, Bob and Ellie Klukkert, DeLancey.

Calling hours will be held at the DeLancey United Presbyterian Church, 444 County Highway 2, DeLancey at 11 am to 1 pm, Oct. 28, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 pm. Burial will be at the Hamden Cemetery.

Jane requested that people wear purple, her favorite color, to the funeral, and to remember her with happiness.

Contributions may be made to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, 46610 State Highway 10, Delhi, NY 13753; the First Presbyterian Church, 4 Clinton St., Delhi, NY 13753 where she grew up as a member; or Central Delaware Trinity Covenant, 6754 Basin Clove Road, Hamden, NY 13782 and put Blessings Box in the memo line.